A curated sampler compilation from MAN!AC magazine that reads like a time capsule of early 2000s gaming at its peak. The track selection here is staggering. You get Akira Yamaoka's "Theme of Laura" from Silent Hill 2, which might be one of the most emotionally devastating pieces of game music ever written, sitting right next to Koji Kondo's "Great Sea" from Wind Waker, which is pure unbridled adventure joy.
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That contrast alone makes this compilation worth it. Jesper Kyd shows up twice with Hitman 2 tracks, and "47 Makes a Decision" has that cold, atmospheric tension he does better than almost anyone. The Resident Evil Code: Veronica end credits in their complete version is a rare treat, and Zone of the Enders' "Bahram Battleship" brings that Konami mecha energy.
Iridion 2 on GBA representing handheld alongside these console heavyweights is a surprisingly good pick. "Primal" with "Jen meets Arella" is one of those forgotten PS2 gems that deserved more attention, and Super Mario Sunshine rounds things out with Koji Kondo's tropical warmth.
This is 2003 gaming distilled into one disc, spanning GBA to Xbox, and every track earns its spot. Magazine pack-in compilations rarely had curation this good.